TL;DR? Technology does not necessarily triumph over age/experience/tactics every time.

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I wonder if precautions around the thin leading edge of F104's were more to protect damage TO rather than FROM.

In this instance the danger was from the leading edge rather than the other way on.

Quote:

With the wings mounted mid-fuselage, they would be at about head level and ground crews would frequently bump their heads on the wings, especially with their thin profile.
Although the edge was not as sharp as a knife, or even dull scissors, the injuries prompted the Air Force to install leading edge guards on the wings, while the plane was on the ground.
That would prevent injuries…

Presumably, as a visiting aircraft, leading edge guards weren't available so they had to improvise with paper and tape!

I went by the EAA airshow in Oshkosh WI a bit ago. Unfortunately, no semi parking, as usual so I didn't get to stop and explore or take any pictures. I know LC from our dim history was there but alas, no meetup either.

I did, however, get treated to a low and loud flyover by two F4U Corsairs which were overnighting at a nearby airport when I finally did stop. While walking the dog in the morning, I heard the distinctive growl of two R-2800 radials winding up and taking off. I saw them as they cleared the treeline, climbing and turning north towards Oshkosh, so I assume they were heading there. Be still my fluttering heart!

A United States Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet, based at RAF Lakenheath, Suffolk, displays the Welsh flag in the cockpit, as the plane flies at speeds of up to 600mph through the valleys in the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales.

I think that the quoted speed of 600mph is overstated.
I'm pretty sure that the limit is 450 knots (520mph).
Still PD fast!